Archive for May, 2010

Last night, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors approved a major development plan to revitalize the “challenged” area between the Town of Occoquan and Belmont Bay. This is a huge development.

The Occoquan waterfront is going to change dramatically. Lots of new residential space and street level retail. New roads (Marina Drive extension) and traffic improvements (an overpass at the intersection of routes 1 & 123). Horner Road is going to become a walkable main street and the ghastly strip malls from the 1970s can say bye-bye.

Congratulations to challengers Liz Quist & Patrick Sivigny for winning seats on the Occoquan Town Council. Once again, congrats to Earnie Porta for being re-elected as Mayor for his third consecutive two-year term. InsideNova has more information about the Occoquan Election Results.

Two very interesting articles about the future development of the Occoquan waterfront region were published last week. The first article, from the Washington Business Journal contains details about the construction of Belmont Bay and the Rivergate. Teaser:

In the past decade Belmont Bay has constructed nearly 1,000 condos and townhouses — all overlook the bay. Just 23 remain unsold. Belmont Bay can build out an additional 873 condos and townhouses, something that Miller predicts will take 10 more years — at least — to complete.

The second article, published in the Washington Post, details a dense development plan to revitalize the north Woodbridge area situated between historic Occoquan and Belmont Bay. It also has some interesting road construction details. Teaser:

The vision for north Woodbridge, an area county officials said extends from the Occoquan River to Occoquan Road and from Route 1 to Horner Road, is to develop up — not out — and to have office and commercial space on one level with residential units above.

The plan calls for 2,500 to 3,500 multifamily units, up to 750,000 square feet of office space, up to 500,000 square feet of retail development and a hotel. The development would be phased in, so residential development does not outpace commercial, county officials said.

Finally, the Town of Occoquan Merchant Association is hosting the Second Annual “Art on The Occoquan” Art Walk this Saturday, May 08, 2010 (4:00 PM-8:00 PM). Enjoy an eclectic showcase of creative, fine arts in various mediums from local artisans. More details